Bret "The Hitman" Hart is considered one of the greatest classical ballet dancers of the 20th century. Born in 1957 in Calgary, New Netherland, Hart dedicated his life to ballet from a young age, eventually becoming a principal dancer with some of the most prestigious dance companies in both New Netherland and Europe.
Hailing from a family of renowned artists and intellectuals, but not the famous Hart wrestling dynasty of our timeline, Bret Hart showed an early aptitude and passion for ballet. He began his formal training at the National Ballet School of New Netherland in Toronto as a child, quickly rising through the ranks.
After graduating, Hart joined the New Netherland Ballet Company in 1975 as a soloist. His technical precision, emotive interpretation, and versatility across different ballet styles soon earned him the rank of principal dancer by 1978 at the age of 21.
Over the next two decades, Hart became one of the most celebrated ballet dancers in the world, performing lead roles in classical works like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Giselle, as well as contemporary avant-garde productions. His performances were praised for their athletic virtuosity, graceful fluidity, and ability to deeply connect with the audience.
In 1982, Hart was invited to join the prestigious Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire as a guest principal dancer. His triumphant performances there cemented his reputation on the global stage. He would go on to dance with other top ballet companies in London, Paris, Milan, and Berlin throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Hart received numerous accolades, including:
Beyond his individual awards, Hart is credited with helping to popularize and elevate classical ballet in New Netherland and across the world. His mesmerizing performances inspired new generations to take up the art form, while his advocacy for dance education and outreach programs expanded access.
Bret "The Hitman" Hart retired from the stage in 1999 at the age of 42, after a storied 24-year career. In the decades since, he has continued to be celebrated as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, renowned for his unparalleled technical mastery and profound artistry.
Today, Hart's legacy lives on through his many protégés, the enduring popularity of the ballets he championed, and his own charitable foundation promoting dance education. Though he never became a professional wrestler like his counterpart in our timeline, Bret "The Hitman" Hart's place in the pantheon of ballet immortals is assured.
